OMA's Progress on its 7-story Expansion of the New Museum in Lower East Side

Construction is advancing on the New Museum's seven-story extension at 231 Bowery in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The 174-foot-tall annex, designed by Rem Koolhaas and Shohei Shigematsu of OMA and Cooper Robertson & Partners, will significantly increase the museum's size from its current 2007 structure designed by SANAA. The new addition will nearly double the museum's footprint to 115,277 square feet.

Features of the New Addition

The 60,000-square-foot expansion will connect laterally to the existing museum, introducing three new gallery floors, an 80-seat restaurant, a larger bookstore, and additional office space for staff. Located at the intersection of Bowery and Spring Street, the annex will feature a sleek, angular design that contrasts with the main building’s box-like structure. The façade will include laminated glass, metal mesh, and triangular cutouts for terraces.

Construction Progress

Significant progress has been made since September 2022, when demolition began on the site's previous structure. The new steel-framed superstructure is now taking shape, with angular walls to be assembled in the coming months. The annex will also include outdoor terraces, artist residency studios, an upper-level forum connecting to the existing Sky Room, and a cultural incubator named NEW INC.

Additional Facilities and Amenities

The building will boast an expanded lobby with three new elevators—two dedicated to gallery access. A new public plaza will be created to host art installations, performances, and gatherings. The annex will enhance the museum's capacity to offer educational and public programs.

Accessibility

The nearest subway stations to the property include the F train at 2nd Avenue station, the 6 train at Spring Street station, and the J and Z trains at Bowery station.

Reopening Timeline

The New Museum is currently closed and is projected to reopen with the new addition in early 2025.